Costa Rica’s extraordinary efforts to protect the environment has led the country to be officially recognized as a carbon-neutral country – an undertaking that required, and will forever require, the involvement of every segment of Costa Rica’s society. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that Costa Rica’s Tourism industry has played an important role in this achievement by developing a strong, ongoing sustainable tourism program. Tourism is Costa Rica’s number one industry and the “face” of the country – an ambassador to the rest of the world. As such, it has become exceedingly important that this leading business sector set a strong example, fueling a collective consciousness throughout the country to maintain the enviable position of being carbon neutral – a pledge that very few countries have made.
The Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) is a program developed in Costa Rica for tourism businesses to comply with the country’s model of Sustainable Tourism. Every business associated with the tourism industry in Costa Rica is encouraged to participate in the program. The CST program categorizes all tour operators and businesses according to their commitment to a sustainable practice of tourism through their everyday operations and awards them based on their accomplishments. On the other hand, the Blue Flag Ecological Award is an identification for the beaches where local communities work and strive to maintain the best conditions for their tourist enjoyment.
What does the CST and Blue Flag mean for Amstar?
Amstar Costa Rica is proud to announce that this year we have been awarded the Elite Level certificate for Sustainable Tourism. Earning this highest qualification, signifies that 100% of the mandatory requirements of the certification program were met. Achieving the CST certification demonstrates our commitment to actively work to mitigate the impact resulting from our operation and for sustainable tourism practices.
The Blue Flag Ecological award is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism and is valid for 1 year. The same evidence used to obtain the CST were considered to receive the Blue Flag Award Certificate which is valid for 1 year.
As for our customers, these achievements are a way for travelers interested in sustainable practices by visiting communities, and projects and interacting with the authentic Costa Ricans and their natural sustainable efforts. We realize the great responsibility in the creation of awareness in each person of our company and how it creates a domino effect that will probably never end.
What did Amstar do to achieve the certification and award?
During the past years, Amstar Costa Rica has dedicated significant resources and developed meaningful new processes in our day-to-day operations to align with the practice of sustainable tourism. We have implemented a new business plan that includes not only revenue driven goals, but support and development of social and cultural aspects of the country, with a clear commitment to strengthen the tourism sector.
During 2021, we carried out over 28 projects that had a social, economic, and/or environmental impact in our surrounding communities. Among these projects Amstar participated in:
The Carbon Footprint Offset (FONAFIFO) program that measures a company’s carbon footprint generated during their daily operation. In Amstar’s case, we create 2.5 tons of CO2 during a year and the donation will help produce 10 tons of O22, 4 times the negative impact. FONAFIFO then calculates an amount a company can donate to finance reforestation programs throughout the country to help mitigate the negative CO2 impact produced. In the study, Amstar generates 2.5 metric tons of CO2 yearly and it donated funds to produce 10 metric tons of O2, compensating the environment 4 times its impact.
The DONATAPA project for Accessible Tourism, by creating and maintaining a collection center for bottle caps at the Liberia International Airport that enabled both locals and visitors to be involved in the initiative. The project recycles the caps into material that is used to build access ramps to beaches for people with limited mobility.
A few more have been a reforestation activity where our colleagues planted tree seedlings, a Responsible Fishing in La Cruz project, and a Renewable Energy Pilot Project, among others.
Obtaining these recognitions have also been possible thanks to the close work with suppliers and their social and environmental commitment as well.
If your next vacation brings you to Costa Rica…
We have curated some of our experiences in Costa Rica for those travelers who are looking for activities that align with the concept of sustainable tourism in order to reduce the impact they are have ing on the environment and as they travel
Among many of the eco-tourism options in Costa Rica, a tour around Costa Rica’s rainforest and rural communities is one of the best ways to support local farmers and environmental conservation. The Rainforest, Waterfall, and Ciudad Blanca excursion is a fantastic experience combining the beauty of the rainforest, the history of Liberia, a city known as Ciudad Blanca, and a traditional lunch. This excursion supports the local town of Bijagua, a rural mountain village best known for the magical Rio Celeste Waterfall. Definitely a beautiful, protected rainforest reserve. The Bijaguas Natural Wonders excursion takes you closer to a unique environment created by volcanoes and a rich biodiversity that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
A Local Sightseeing and Mangrove Tour is one of the best ways to experience the country’s lush and thriving nature. You will learn about the vital role of Costa Rica’s mangrove ecosystem and have the opportunity to enjoy fantastic bird watching. This excursion supports a small family business in the region. A Rainforest Jewel experience will take you through country areas and toward a town called El Gavilan, a rural community tucked away in the mountainous area to the north of the iconic Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. This excursion will give you an immersive experience of the lives of local communities and their traditional food.
What’s next for Amstar Costa Rica in terms of sustainable tourism?
The travel industry has changed the way in which people view the world. In recent years, world travelers have become more environmentally conscious. And companies like Amstar are joining the efforts to ensure that the natural and cultural resources of the world are protected by supporting and maintaining sustainable tourism at its highest level.
We invite you to support these initiatives by discovering the natural and cultural richness of Costa Rica.
